Sunglasses: More than Just a Fashion Statement

OSWEGO â€“ We all know the importance of using sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but what about protection for our eyes?

July is UV Safety Month and the Oswego County Health Department is urging county residents to protect their eyes by wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.

“Recent studies have shown that prolonged exposure to the sun’s invisible, high-energy ultraviolet rays without protection may cause eye conditions that can lead to vision loss,â€ said Dr. Dennis Norfleet, Public Health Director for the County Health Department. â€œDuring the summer months, the level of ultraviolet radiation is three times higher than in the winter.

Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are the best defense system for your eyes against sunlight and harmful UV rays. To be effective, both must be worn every time you’re outside for long periods of time, even when it’s overcast.â€

What type of sunglasses should you buy?

“The most important thing is to purchase sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays,” said Dr. Norfleet. “Don’t be misled by the color of the lens or the price tag dangling from the frame.”

The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens or the cost. Many $10 sunglasses provide equal or greater protection than a $100 pair. With expensive sunglasses, you’re paying for style, frame quality and options such as scratch-resistant coatings, not necessarily protective UV ray blocking ability.

Make sure you donâ€™t forget the kids. Protect their eyes with hats and sunglasses as well. In addition, try to keep children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are the strongest.

For more information on the importance of protecting your eyes from the sun, go to www.aao.org or call the Oswego County Health Department at 349-3547.

Share this:

Like this:

Related

Mayor Billy Barlow announced in his State of the City Address he was proposing a $200 annual reduction in the city sewer bill for homeowners in the city of Oswego. He will officially make his proposal to the Common Council during the Administrative Services Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 22. […]

Share this:

Like this:

Search

Sheriff Don Hilton has issued a travel advisory in Oswego County through 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 20, in conjunction with a Winter Storm Warning issued for our county by the National Weather Service. […]

Share this:

Like this:

The New York State Police is advising motorists to avoid any unnecessary driving during the winter storm that is forecast to bring a significant amount of snow to many areas across the state from Saturday into Sunday. […]

Share this:

Like this:

The Granby Town Board has unanimously passed a resolution to annex the North Bay Campground into the City of Fulton. Granby Town Supervisor John Snow said Fulton city officials plan to make renovations to the property that will be easier to fund and implement if the campground is within city limits. […]